the bones they place within a golden pitcher; for as the mystic world is not destroyed, neither can these, the bones of Buddha, perish; the consequence of diamond wisdom, difficult to move as Sumeru.  The relics which the mighty golden-pinioned bird cannot remove or change, they place within the precious vase, to remain until the world shall pass away; and wonderful! the power of men can thus fulfil Nirvana’s laws, the illustrious name of one far spread, is sounded thus throughout the universe; and as the ages roll, the long Nirvana, by these, the sacred relics, sheds through the world its glorious light, and brightens up the abodes of life.  He perished in a moment! but these relics, placed within the vase, the imperishable signs of wisdom, can overturn the mount of sorrow; the body of accumulated griefs this imperishable mind can cause to rest, and banish once forever all the miseries of life.  Thus the diamond substance was dealt with at the place of burning.  And now those valiant Mallas, unrivalled in the world for strength, subduing all private animosities, sought escape from sorrow in the true refuge.  Finding sweet comfort in united love, they resolved to banish every complaining thought.  Beholding thus the death of Tathagata, they controlled their grieving hearts, and with full strength of manly virtue dismissing every listless thought, they submitted to the course of nature.  Oppressed by thoughts of grievous sorrow, they entered the city as a deserted wild:  holding the relics thus they entered, whilst from every street were offered gifts.  They placed the relics then upon a tower for men and Devas to adore.

Division of the Sariras

Thus those Mallas offered religious reverence to the relics, and used the most costly flowers and scents for their supreme act of worship.  Then the kings of the seven countries, having heard that Buddha was dead, sent messengers to the Mallas asking to share the sacred relics of Buddha.  Then the Mallas reverencing the body of Tathagata, trusting to their martial renown, conceived a haughty mind:  “They would rather part with life itself,” they said, “than with the relics of the Buddha”—­so those messengers returned from the futile embassage.  Then the seven kings, highly indignant, with an army numerous as the rain-clouds, advanced on Kusinagara; the people who went from the city filled with terror soon returned and told the Mallas all:  that the soldiers and the cavalry of the neighboring countries were coming, with elephants and chariots, to surround the Kusinagara city.  The gardens, lying without the town, the fountains, lakes, flower and fruit-trees were now destroyed by the advancing host, and all the pleasant resting-places lay in ruins.